Stock Risers: 4-States Challenge
Webb City High School hosted the 4-State Challenge with some of the best talent in Southwest Missouri on display. Here are the players that improved their stock the most at the shootout.
2018 G Ian Moore, Lamar
Moore continues to be one of the most explosive guards in Southwest Missouri, regardless of class. He scored 23 points on Saturday, outperforming Neosho 15-14 in the first half. Few players at the high school level are better at creating space and he does it extremely well via a dirty crossover or hesitation dribble. At this point, he needs to be on every NAIA and D-2 radar.
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2018 F Marque English, Pittsburg
English has been a building block for Pittsburg since his sophomore year and the 6-foot-5 forward had a good showing against Parkview’s dynamic frontline, scoring. A game-high 20 points. English is sound defensively, he rebounds and he scores off the bounce or with a smooth jumper. He also has a great motor which seems to be contagious.
2018 F Chase Curtis, Pittsburg
He’s the ultimate intangible guy. The 3-sport standout plays with a ton of energy and confidence and isn’t afraid to talk a little noise. On Saturday he earned it, helping hold elite wing Tyem Freeman to just four first-half points. The 6-foot-5 Curtis shoulder enough quickness to stay in front and enough size and length to contests jumpers. He also scored 17 points offensively.
2018 F Alex Pickett, Webb City
Against Nevada’s big, athletic front line, Pickett was able to produce offense for Webb City in a variety of ways. He hit mid-range jumpers and knocked down a 3, showing his offensive versatility. The 6-foot-5 stretch-4 is an intriguing player because of his offensive skill set.
2019 G/F Matt Thompson, Nevada
With all the attention that Clay Gayman commands defensively, Nevada needs someone to relieve some of that pressure and Thompson has taken on that role. On Saturday he scored 20 points – 13 of which came in the fourth quarter/overtime – against a solid defensive team in Webb City. The 6-foot-4 Thompson knocked down three 3s and again proved that he can shoot it with range. He has a big, athletic frame and loves the long ball.
2019 G Alex Gaskill, Webb City
He’s a bully of a point guard which makes him difficult to account for. The 6-foot-1 Gaskill is an all-state football player and uses that frame extremely well. He was able to attack and get into the creases of Nevada’s defense and finish through contact. He had several scoring opportunities posting up smaller guards and he did a terrific job on 6-foot-6 Abilene Christian signed Clay Gayman when matched up and attacking and finishing over the elite shot blocker. Gaskill leads Webb City in rebounds, assists and steals this season.
2020 G Dontae Taylor, Parkview
Taylor continues to blossom in just his second season. His offensive game is catching up with the things he does well defensively which makes him extremely productive. He took the assignment of defending elite 2020 wing Gavyn Elkamil and did a great job in the matchup despite giving up a few inches. He’s great at pressuring in the full court and defending without fouling. His 15 points were a little below his average because of the slower pace, but Taylor again got to the rim and flashed a pull-up jumper.
2020 F Alex Martini, Carthage
Martini took advantage of a smaller frontline for Walnut Grove, scoring an easy 20 points. Martini is a long 6-foot-6 forward that runs well and plays above the rim. While his game is nowhere near a finished product, he has the ability to face up and attack of the bounce. Once he develops more consistency in his perimeter jumper he’ll be a great pick-and-pop or stretch-4 big.